...
Hello from Los Angeles!
There really is something about you.......but I can't quite put my finger on it.
I had a comment recently from a new business contact. He told me that there was something about me, when he first met me......a certain aura. I was flattered by the comment. But what was it exactly?
With all the people that I interact with on a daily and weekly basis, I am more aware of how people show up. Are they happy? Full of energy? Do they make eye contact? Speak boldly, or softly?
How do you want to show up and be remembered?
Do you smile for no particular reason?
Why do you help others without being asked or expecting anything in return?
Can you just be you 24/7?
Are you a true friend who reaches for someones hand and touches their heart. (I thank my sister Sharon for this line)
How do you show up every day?
Well, the exciting news is that we can show others what we are about every day......but how?
The biblical saying, "do unto others as you would have others do unto you" is so relevant here.
When I meet someone without a smile and they appear withdrawn and sad, I try very hard to make a conscience choice to continue to be ME.....usually in a positive, energized frame of mind. I can only hope that the other person draws from my energy and changes their state. Perhaps in some small way, I made a difference in their day.
We have a choice to present ourselves in a certain way every time we show up. In some cases, we need to show up 50 times per day. Are you up for it?
I was speaking with a Coaching client recently and we made reference to a mutual business contact. I mentioned that we both knew this lady, who is a Business Professional. His response was, "she is a great lady, with real presence and energy". I would suggest that every person that comes in contact with her would have a very similar comment. There is indeed something about her! Regardless of our profession, we have an opportunity to impact people in a positive way.
I am grateful that I have contacts in many professions and backgrounds. The key part for me, it is all about who they are, not what they do.
They differentiate themselves by the way in which they show up, and for the most part it is very consistent.
I tend to gravitate to this type of person, because their (PVP) " personal value proposition" is of interest to me and I draw from their energy and attitude. It is less about the product or service they offer or what street they live on.
There IS something about you, but what do you want that to look like? Put your best foot forward and show your good side everyday!
“Learn and grow all you can; serve and befriend all you can; enrich and inspire all you can.” -William Arthur Ward
Have a great week.
As always, I welcome your comments on this weeks Blog, in the comment section below.
"Helping you to the next level"
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Do you believe?
...
This is a very broad topic for me, as I keep coming across people that have a lack of belief.....about many things. One of the most crucial things that I observe is that they have a general lack of belief in themselves.
Did they have a belief in themselves at one time?
I believe in many things...
Making a difference.
Loving others.
Working hard.
Trusting people.
That the Oilers will one day.................win more than they lose!
That being positive is better than being negative.
Myself.
So what actually drives our beliefs?
Is it because someone else has been there, done that?.....than we believe?
Do we have to see it to believe it?
What about the Law of Attraction? Many people believe in this.....and many people don`t.
Do you believe that our ACTIONS will attract things in our life? Both good and bad!
If we don`t understand something, we generally don`t believe in it. Too bad, really!
Sometimes you just have to believe.......things will get better.
The classic tune "Don`t Stop Believin”, by the band Journey, really speaks to this message.
.....mid way through the song it says...
"Some will win, Some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on
Don't stop believin'
Hold on to the feelin'"
Here's my interpretation of the song.
Sometimes you will succeed and sometimes you will fail. We all experience this in our life.
However, some people will complain about the failures and forget to acknowledge the successes in life. (the small wins)
As for the movie never ending, it is life's journey. It ain't over, til it's over, so enjoy the ride.
Regardless of what happens don't stop believing that you will win more times than you will fail. Hold onto that thought and never give up!
On a final note, I want to leave you with an inspiring message when you feel that you lack opportunity or hope. Don`t Stop Believing!
"Drop a pebble and chase the ripples" -Arnold McLaughlin (mentor and dear friend)
I welcome your comments in the comment section below.
"Helping you to the next level"
This is a very broad topic for me, as I keep coming across people that have a lack of belief.....about many things. One of the most crucial things that I observe is that they have a general lack of belief in themselves.
Did they have a belief in themselves at one time?
I believe in many things...
Making a difference.
Loving others.
Working hard.
Trusting people.
That the Oilers will one day.................win more than they lose!
That being positive is better than being negative.
Myself.
So what actually drives our beliefs?
Is it because someone else has been there, done that?.....than we believe?
Do we have to see it to believe it?
What about the Law of Attraction? Many people believe in this.....and many people don`t.
Do you believe that our ACTIONS will attract things in our life? Both good and bad!
If we don`t understand something, we generally don`t believe in it. Too bad, really!
Sometimes you just have to believe.......things will get better.
The classic tune "Don`t Stop Believin”, by the band Journey, really speaks to this message.
.....mid way through the song it says...
"Some will win, Some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on
Don't stop believin'
Hold on to the feelin'"
Here's my interpretation of the song.
Sometimes you will succeed and sometimes you will fail. We all experience this in our life.
However, some people will complain about the failures and forget to acknowledge the successes in life. (the small wins)
As for the movie never ending, it is life's journey. It ain't over, til it's over, so enjoy the ride.
Regardless of what happens don't stop believing that you will win more times than you will fail. Hold onto that thought and never give up!
On a final note, I want to leave you with an inspiring message when you feel that you lack opportunity or hope. Don`t Stop Believing!
"Drop a pebble and chase the ripples" -Arnold McLaughlin (mentor and dear friend)
I welcome your comments in the comment section below.
"Helping you to the next level"
Monday, November 15, 2010
How's your glass?
...
Good morning from beautiful Victoria, BC.
Is your glass half full, or half empty???
Do you have people in your life that wake up every day with hope and optimism and they see the good in every single thing?....................Pretty awesome if you do!
When you are having a bad day, they are the people that you need to call when you are looking for a "raise the attitude adjustment."
There are of course the other people in our life that have the natural ability to suck the fun out of the day.
Tip......don't call them when you are having a good day.. I am just kidding actually!!
If you are full of mojo, you can possibly break their negative state....but don't coach them to do it....it has to come on its own accord. Just be there and don't get sucked in to the deep dark hole of gloom and doom.
I was at a large fundraising event with a friend of mine a month or so ago. There were many great and supportive people there. We were visiting with a few new contacts and one guy was commenting about his wine glass. I asked him, "is your glass half empty or half full?" Without hesitation he replied, "my glass is definitely half full." It was evident that he meant it and that his approach to life was consistent with this message based on other things that he said. He made me smile and it felt great to be in the presence of someone that had that positive vibe. It made me want to be better!
Sometimes we ask people how they are doing and we may regret asking. They tell us about how crappy life is and how everyone in the world is screwing up their life. Wow...............I am really glad I asked.....Not!
A long-time friend and mentor of mine, Peter Kossowan, shared his classic line with me many years ago.
Rather than saying, "have a good day," Peter always says, "make it a good day" Simple, yet really effective. If you think about it, you have more control over making it a good day than the other way around.
This was profound for me and one of many treasured words of wisdom that Peter has offered me over the years. Thank you Peter! By the way.....he is indeed a "glass half full kind of guy."
Here is some food for thought. If you try to wake up each day and go about your routine with a "my glass is half full" kind of attitude, you may actually surprise yourself.
Examples.....
See the good in other people.
Observe the opportunity in a new business challenge.
How can you make today awesome?
Be grateful for what you have and not be envious of what you do not have.
Make every moment count, rather than waste it on negative thoughts.
What can you do to make a difference in someone else's life?
Half full, or half empty?
Click here for pic
As always, I welcome your feedback on my Blog!
"Helping you to the next level"
Good morning from beautiful Victoria, BC.
Is your glass half full, or half empty???
Do you have people in your life that wake up every day with hope and optimism and they see the good in every single thing?....................Pretty awesome if you do!
When you are having a bad day, they are the people that you need to call when you are looking for a "raise the attitude adjustment."
There are of course the other people in our life that have the natural ability to suck the fun out of the day.
Tip......don't call them when you are having a good day.. I am just kidding actually!!
If you are full of mojo, you can possibly break their negative state....but don't coach them to do it....it has to come on its own accord. Just be there and don't get sucked in to the deep dark hole of gloom and doom.
I was at a large fundraising event with a friend of mine a month or so ago. There were many great and supportive people there. We were visiting with a few new contacts and one guy was commenting about his wine glass. I asked him, "is your glass half empty or half full?" Without hesitation he replied, "my glass is definitely half full." It was evident that he meant it and that his approach to life was consistent with this message based on other things that he said. He made me smile and it felt great to be in the presence of someone that had that positive vibe. It made me want to be better!
Sometimes we ask people how they are doing and we may regret asking. They tell us about how crappy life is and how everyone in the world is screwing up their life. Wow...............I am really glad I asked.....Not!
A long-time friend and mentor of mine, Peter Kossowan, shared his classic line with me many years ago.
Rather than saying, "have a good day," Peter always says, "make it a good day" Simple, yet really effective. If you think about it, you have more control over making it a good day than the other way around.
This was profound for me and one of many treasured words of wisdom that Peter has offered me over the years. Thank you Peter! By the way.....he is indeed a "glass half full kind of guy."
Here is some food for thought. If you try to wake up each day and go about your routine with a "my glass is half full" kind of attitude, you may actually surprise yourself.
Examples.....
See the good in other people.
Observe the opportunity in a new business challenge.
How can you make today awesome?
Be grateful for what you have and not be envious of what you do not have.
Make every moment count, rather than waste it on negative thoughts.
What can you do to make a difference in someone else's life?
Half full, or half empty?
Click here for pic
As always, I welcome your feedback on my Blog!
"Helping you to the next level"
Monday, November 8, 2010
Decisions Decisions Decisions
...
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure , the process is its own reward.” - Amelia Earhart
In life, we are faced with many decisions on a daily basis.
What shall I wear today?
Should I take the freeway or another route?
Will I be better off without that relationship?
What is my purpose in life?
Can I afford the next vacation?
Should I accept that new job?
While in most cases, making a decision can be easy for some, it can be extremely difficult for others!
What's even worse, many people fail to make a decision in the first place. In effect, they decide to NOT decide...
It has been said that in life, we have more regret for the things that we do not decide/act upon.
Here is some perspective to give you peace of mind when making critical decisions in your life.
Will it create a Win-Win situation, even though it may not seem like it now?
Will you be better off in the long run making the decision?
Can you avoid not making the decision?
Will you feel better after making the decision?
I am a fan of Andy Andrews and his "7 Decisions for Success"
His first Decision, "The Responsible Decision" (The Buck stops here) states that, "when faced with the opportunity to make a decision, I will make one. We have the ability to make a decision, and then make it right."
For Andy Andrew's full commentary, Click here:
Ultimately making a decision supersedes standing still and not making one.
I will end with a quote from one of my favorite books.
"Making a decision was only the beginning of things. When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision."
-Paulo Coelho, author, "The Alchemist"
I hope that you decide to have a terrific week!
As always, I welcome your feedback in the comment section below.
"Helping you to the Next Level"
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure , the process is its own reward.” - Amelia Earhart
In life, we are faced with many decisions on a daily basis.
What shall I wear today?
Should I take the freeway or another route?
Will I be better off without that relationship?
What is my purpose in life?
Can I afford the next vacation?
Should I accept that new job?
While in most cases, making a decision can be easy for some, it can be extremely difficult for others!
What's even worse, many people fail to make a decision in the first place. In effect, they decide to NOT decide...
It has been said that in life, we have more regret for the things that we do not decide/act upon.
Here is some perspective to give you peace of mind when making critical decisions in your life.
Will it create a Win-Win situation, even though it may not seem like it now?
Will you be better off in the long run making the decision?
Can you avoid not making the decision?
Will you feel better after making the decision?
I am a fan of Andy Andrews and his "7 Decisions for Success"
His first Decision, "The Responsible Decision" (The Buck stops here) states that, "when faced with the opportunity to make a decision, I will make one. We have the ability to make a decision, and then make it right."
For Andy Andrew's full commentary, Click here:
Ultimately making a decision supersedes standing still and not making one.
I will end with a quote from one of my favorite books.
"Making a decision was only the beginning of things. When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision."
-Paulo Coelho, author, "The Alchemist"
I hope that you decide to have a terrific week!
As always, I welcome your feedback in the comment section below.
"Helping you to the Next Level"
Monday, November 1, 2010
Priceless!
...
Defined as invaluable; having incalculable monetary, intellectual, or spiritual worth.
When I was younger I must admit that I did not get this definition right.
Of course, I was thinking that when something was priceless, it was worthless. Wow, was I wrong.
So, what are you worth?
What am I worth to you?....and what are you worth to me?
I was out at a hockey game (ok, the Oilers lost) recently with a friend (Greg) and he made a kind gesture to offer and pay for the ticket I gave him. I responded......how can you put a price on our friendship? He was quick to respond, "you can't, but there is a price on the ticket.....LOL.
My point here is that we all think about money, cost, revenue/income, or the value of something or someone everyday, but what about the things in our life that are truly priceless?
Michael Douglas is reportedly worth $200mil, but would he give all of that wealth back to be healthy and free from cancer? Absolutely!
Health is indeed a priceless commodity, just ask someone with poor or failing health!
Relationships are priceless, just ask someone who does not feel connected to someone.
Here's an action item for you.
Create a list of items in your life that you would define as priceless.
-Health
-Family
-Friends
-Time with someone you really care about
-Time by yourself
-Relationships
-My friendship.. (ok, that may retail for $89.99....but still good value...LOL)
-Other????
To end on an uplifting note, I always enjoy some humour to get a point across.
I love the MasterCard commercials, as they do a terrific job of articulating the Priceless message.
Here is a cute clip to get you started on your week.
Click here:
As always, I welcome your feedback on this week's Blog in the comment section below.
"Helping you to the next level"
Defined as invaluable; having incalculable monetary, intellectual, or spiritual worth.
When I was younger I must admit that I did not get this definition right.
Of course, I was thinking that when something was priceless, it was worthless. Wow, was I wrong.
So, what are you worth?
What am I worth to you?....and what are you worth to me?
I was out at a hockey game (ok, the Oilers lost) recently with a friend (Greg) and he made a kind gesture to offer and pay for the ticket I gave him. I responded......how can you put a price on our friendship? He was quick to respond, "you can't, but there is a price on the ticket.....LOL.
My point here is that we all think about money, cost, revenue/income, or the value of something or someone everyday, but what about the things in our life that are truly priceless?
Michael Douglas is reportedly worth $200mil, but would he give all of that wealth back to be healthy and free from cancer? Absolutely!
Health is indeed a priceless commodity, just ask someone with poor or failing health!
Relationships are priceless, just ask someone who does not feel connected to someone.
Here's an action item for you.
Create a list of items in your life that you would define as priceless.
-Health
-Family
-Friends
-Time with someone you really care about
-Time by yourself
-Relationships
-My friendship.. (ok, that may retail for $89.99....but still good value...LOL)
-Other????
To end on an uplifting note, I always enjoy some humour to get a point across.
I love the MasterCard commercials, as they do a terrific job of articulating the Priceless message.
Here is a cute clip to get you started on your week.
Click here:
As always, I welcome your feedback on this week's Blog in the comment section below.
"Helping you to the next level"
Monday, October 25, 2010
Connection
...
Connection, Connect, Connecting.
We keep hearing these words more and more it seems. It's even in my weekly Blog title.
Whether it is business or personal relationships, the buzz word is Connect, or Connection.
So why is it so important? What does it mean? How does it happen?
Connecting Is All About Others
"When you are trying to connect with people, it’s not about you — it’s about them. If you want to connect with others, you have to get over yourself. You have to change the focus from inward to outward, off of yourself and onto others." - John C. Maxwell (author, "Everyone Communicates, few Connect").
I had the good fortune of seeing a long-time friend of mine from Nova Scotia this past week, (Jim Casey).
We have not seen each other for four years, yet we chat and email from time to time and keep up on our lives. We both agreed that it only seemed like yesterday since we last were together. Every conversation was effortless and comfortable. Wow, what a concept!
We all experience this on occasion with certain people, but why does it happen with some and not others?
Well, I have a few theories, but will focus on one or two. Whether it is a business or personal relationship, we discover that there are certain people that meet, what I call, the "LRT" criteria. We LIKE them, we RESPECT them and we TRUST them, and that has stood the test of time.
I consider myself very lucky that I have many people in my life that meet these criteria. Of course, the criteria are earned over time, and I know that I too must earn this with the other person as well. That's why it works!
It is a simple guide that can go a long way in strengthening a relationship.
I actually use the "LRT criteria within my Coaching practice when I make reference to how we establish Centres of Influences in our professional and personal life. If you have earned the right to ask anyone for anything, you too must be Liked, Respected and Trusted. Here is what is really important. It does not matter if the individual is a CEO, a Doctor, or a Farmer.
If we take the time to Connect with the person, not the position or their status in the community or their wealth, we really have something that is special and long-lasting.
Always ensure that the Connection, or relationship can create a win-win and never keep track if you have won or lost more than the other person. Sometimes you may lean on them more and other times they may ask you for more. It's all good, if indeed a true connection is there.
I welcome your comments on this week's Blog in the section below.
"Helping you to the next Level"
Connection, Connect, Connecting.
We keep hearing these words more and more it seems. It's even in my weekly Blog title.
Whether it is business or personal relationships, the buzz word is Connect, or Connection.
So why is it so important? What does it mean? How does it happen?
Connecting Is All About Others
"When you are trying to connect with people, it’s not about you — it’s about them. If you want to connect with others, you have to get over yourself. You have to change the focus from inward to outward, off of yourself and onto others." - John C. Maxwell (author, "Everyone Communicates, few Connect").
I had the good fortune of seeing a long-time friend of mine from Nova Scotia this past week, (Jim Casey).
We have not seen each other for four years, yet we chat and email from time to time and keep up on our lives. We both agreed that it only seemed like yesterday since we last were together. Every conversation was effortless and comfortable. Wow, what a concept!
We all experience this on occasion with certain people, but why does it happen with some and not others?
Well, I have a few theories, but will focus on one or two. Whether it is a business or personal relationship, we discover that there are certain people that meet, what I call, the "LRT" criteria. We LIKE them, we RESPECT them and we TRUST them, and that has stood the test of time.
I consider myself very lucky that I have many people in my life that meet these criteria. Of course, the criteria are earned over time, and I know that I too must earn this with the other person as well. That's why it works!
It is a simple guide that can go a long way in strengthening a relationship.
I actually use the "LRT criteria within my Coaching practice when I make reference to how we establish Centres of Influences in our professional and personal life. If you have earned the right to ask anyone for anything, you too must be Liked, Respected and Trusted. Here is what is really important. It does not matter if the individual is a CEO, a Doctor, or a Farmer.
If we take the time to Connect with the person, not the position or their status in the community or their wealth, we really have something that is special and long-lasting.
Always ensure that the Connection, or relationship can create a win-win and never keep track if you have won or lost more than the other person. Sometimes you may lean on them more and other times they may ask you for more. It's all good, if indeed a true connection is there.
I welcome your comments on this week's Blog in the section below.
"Helping you to the next Level"
Monday, October 18, 2010
I HAVE A DREAM................DO YOU?
...
No, this is not a message from the late Martin Luther King, Jr. and his powerful message from 1963.
This topic has been on my brain for along time and there seems to be tons of dialogue with my friends and coaching clients in the past number of months about Dreams.
First of all, I do have a Dream....in fact, I have several. When asked, I share some of those dreams with friends and colleagues. Some responses include, wow that is awesome....or, my dreams aren't that good, or.. I don't really have one.....
Here's some very basic advice.......your dream can be as big or small as you want it to be, and it does not need to excite anyone else, except you!!!
When I get into this a little deeper, I find out some amazing and exciting things.......
What about my friend B.E. who dreams of opening a Flower Shop, or my friend S.D. who dreams of completing an MBA, or my friend, T.R. who dreams of being a billionaire (so bad too) ....or my friend P.L. who is living the dream?
While I have used this quote and video clip in one of my Blogs back in March 2010, I felt it worthy to dust it off for a quick review, once again.
This is from the Pursuit of Happyness movie, with Will Smith, and is my favourite quote and scene from the movie, as it says so much, with very few words.
"Don’t ever let somebody tell you, you can’t do something…not even me. You got a dream….you gotta protect it. When people can’t do something themselves they wanna tell you that you can’t do it. You want something….go get it…period"
Click here for video link
For most of us, we seemed to stop dreaming when we became adults. Why? Perhaps, someone told us that we couldn't do something, or we didn't protect the dream.
As kids, we dreamed of becoming doctors, astronauts, riding horses, or playing in a rock band, and much more.
“A goal is a dream with a deadline.” - Napoleon Hill
There have been many things that I have done in my life that many years ago would have been regarded as a wild dream, or crazy idea..........but today they have been realized. Sometimes, its as simple as taking a little action and instilling belief in yourself that you can indeed realize the dream.
p.s...I had a surreal moment as I was listening to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s speech on Youtube while I prepared this week's Blog. As I typed the words, "Pursuit of Happyness", within this Blog, he said the exact words (Pursuit of Happiness) as I typed them......I was kinda wowed by that coincidence..........That man indeed, had a Dream!!!
Have a great week.....you deserve it.
I welcome your comments on this weeks Blog in the comment section below.
"Helping you to the next level"
No, this is not a message from the late Martin Luther King, Jr. and his powerful message from 1963.
This topic has been on my brain for along time and there seems to be tons of dialogue with my friends and coaching clients in the past number of months about Dreams.
First of all, I do have a Dream....in fact, I have several. When asked, I share some of those dreams with friends and colleagues. Some responses include, wow that is awesome....or, my dreams aren't that good, or.. I don't really have one.....
Here's some very basic advice.......your dream can be as big or small as you want it to be, and it does not need to excite anyone else, except you!!!
When I get into this a little deeper, I find out some amazing and exciting things.......
What about my friend B.E. who dreams of opening a Flower Shop, or my friend S.D. who dreams of completing an MBA, or my friend, T.R. who dreams of being a billionaire (so bad too) ....or my friend P.L. who is living the dream?
While I have used this quote and video clip in one of my Blogs back in March 2010, I felt it worthy to dust it off for a quick review, once again.
This is from the Pursuit of Happyness movie, with Will Smith, and is my favourite quote and scene from the movie, as it says so much, with very few words.
"Don’t ever let somebody tell you, you can’t do something…not even me. You got a dream….you gotta protect it. When people can’t do something themselves they wanna tell you that you can’t do it. You want something….go get it…period"
Click here for video link
For most of us, we seemed to stop dreaming when we became adults. Why? Perhaps, someone told us that we couldn't do something, or we didn't protect the dream.
As kids, we dreamed of becoming doctors, astronauts, riding horses, or playing in a rock band, and much more.
“A goal is a dream with a deadline.” - Napoleon Hill
There have been many things that I have done in my life that many years ago would have been regarded as a wild dream, or crazy idea..........but today they have been realized. Sometimes, its as simple as taking a little action and instilling belief in yourself that you can indeed realize the dream.
p.s...I had a surreal moment as I was listening to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s speech on Youtube while I prepared this week's Blog. As I typed the words, "Pursuit of Happyness", within this Blog, he said the exact words (Pursuit of Happiness) as I typed them......I was kinda wowed by that coincidence..........That man indeed, had a Dream!!!
Have a great week.....you deserve it.
I welcome your comments on this weeks Blog in the comment section below.
"Helping you to the next level"
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